The AIPS Sport Media Awards have opened submissions for their ninth edition, giving sports journalists, photographers and broadcasters around the world until November 4 to enter work published or broadcast during the past year.
Entry is free, and each participant can submit up to two works. Eligible entries must have been first published or broadcast between November 5, 2025 and November 4, 2026.
The competition includes eight senior categories covering writing, photography, audio and video, alongside three optional Young Reporters categories.
The senior writing categories are Best Opinion Column and Best Colour Piece. Photography is divided into Sport Action and Portfolio, while the video categories cover Short Feature, Athlete Profile and Documentary. Audio has a separate category.
Young journalists born on or after January 1, 1998 can enter the Young Reporters competitions in writing, photography or broadcasting. Only one entry is permitted per participant in a Young Reporters category.
The winner of each eligible senior category will receive $5,000, with $3,000 for second place and $2,000 for third.
Young Reporters winners receive a different prize: an opportunity to attend a major international sports event through an AIPS programme rather than prize money.
Afghanistan has a recent connection to that programme. Afghan journalist Salma Niazi was the latest Young Reporters winner to receive the opportunity and participated in the Young Reporters Programme during the UEFA Women’s Under-19 Championship this summer.
The 2026 edition also expands the recognition available beyond the podium.
For the first time, 25 works will be included in the final World Ranking. AIPS is also introducing special mentions in its Continental Rankings for journalism connected to areas including human rights, gender equality, diversity and inclusion, anti-discrimination, anti-doping and Sport for Hope.
Those continental recognitions will complement the Awards’ existing Special Awards at world level.
AIPS said the previous edition attracted 1,987 submissions from journalists representing 130 countries.
The judging process begins with the AIPS Executive Committee selecting 10 candidates in each category. A 12-member international jury will then determine three finalists, who will be invited to the awards ceremony in 2027.
According to the schedule announced by AIPS, the longlists are expected in January 2027, followed by shortlists in February and the Top 10 finalists and podium candidates in March. The awards ceremony is planned for May, with its location and exact date still to be announced.
Submissions for the 2026 competition opened on June 15 and close on November 4.
